Chalk flies to benefit Roger Raymond

75 people take part in run to benefit Roger Raymond

A surging breeze sent chalk flying everywhere, sometimes landing on its targets in the Roger Raymond Chalk Run on Saturday.

Some 75 friends and family took part in the event in support of Raymond, the athletic director for Marco Island Charter Middle School and Marco Island Academy.

On Sept. 12, in getting out of the way of an auto while running, Raymond fell and broke his right femur in two places. He’s now back to work, using a cane, but handling all of his duties.

At the event, Raymond talked about his love for his community.

Tina Nash already understood. That is why she put together the Chalk Run,

“He has done so much for our kids and the community,” she said. “It takes six people to do all he does.”

The children of Roger and his wife Karen, along with their families, came from around Florida to take part.

“Overwhelming,” Raymond said of the turnout. “It has been a long nine weeks, but there are many more worse off. Goodwill sometimes waits in the dark. When you are in a time of need it comes out in the light.”

He talked about how his running streak of 3,954 days ended and the way wasn’t his choosing.

“The first day was hard,” he said. “I wanted to see if they would let me do a mile in the hallway,” Raymond joked.